Therapeutic Implant

ABSTRACT

Surgical implants of the present disclosed include a film comprising a first therapeutic agent and a mesh comprising a second therapeutic agent. The surgical implant includes a film in direct contact with a mesh. The first therapeutic agent may be released at a first rate and the second therapeutic agent may be released at a second rate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/051,333 filed Mar. 18, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/051,261 filed Mar. 18, 2011, which claims thebenefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/316,898, filed Mar. 24, 2010, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a biocompatible composite soft tissuerepair surgical implant which comprises at least one therapeutic agentfor use in repair of hernias, for example, and methods of making suchsurgical implants.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

A hernia is basically a defect resulting in the protrusion of part of anorgan, tissue or structure through the wall of a body cavity withinwhich it is normally contained.

Meshes may be applied subcutaneously (e.g., under the skin) internallyor externally of the abdominal wall and may be either absorbable ornonabsorbable depending on the nature and severity of the particulardefect or hernia being treated.

Both laparoscopic and open procedures have been preferred for thetreatment of hernias with meshes. It is desirable to treat hernias, aswhen carrying out any surgery, with as little trauma to the patient aspossible, reducing the post-operative pain for the patient. Thus,improvements to meshes, including reducing post-operative pain remaindesirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical implant including afilm for releasing a first therapeutic agent, and a mesh for releasing asecond therapeutic agent. The film covers at least a portion of themesh. In certain embodiments, the mesh is at least partially embeddedwithin the film, alternatively, the film may be positioned adjacent afirst surface of the mesh. The first therapeutic agent is released at afirst rate and the second therapeutic agent is released at a secondrate.

In some embodiments, the film comprises a water soluble polymer. Thefilm may also be rapidly degrading, wherein the film degrades from aboutless than 24 hours after implantation, and in certain embodiments, fromabout less than one hour after implantation.

Materials which may comprise the film include polyesters,polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, hydrophilic vinyls, polyamides,polyamines, polyalkylene oxalates, poly(anhydrides), polyamidoesters,copoly(ether-esters), poly(carbonates), poly(hydroxyalkanoates),polyimide carbonates, poly(imino carbonates), polyorthoesters,polyoxaesters, polyphosphazenes, poly (propylene fumarates),polyurethanes, polymer drugs and combinations thereof. The film may alsocomprise glycerol or carboxymethyl cellulose.

Materials which may comprise the mesh include polyolefins, polyesters,proteins, polysaccharides, and combinations thereof. The mesh mayfurther include a coating, which optionally includes the secondtherapeutic agent. Alternatively, the mesh may have at least onedegradable filament, the degradable filament optionally containing thesecond therapeutic agent.

The first therapeutic agent may be released in situ from about less than24 hours after implantation, and in certain embodiments, from about lessthan one hour after implantation. The second therapeutic agent may bereleased in situ from about more than 24 hours, and in certainembodiments, from about 24 hours to about fourteen days. The firsttherapeutic agent may be the same as or different than the secondtherapeutic agent.

The first or second therapeutic agent may include anti-inflammatoryagents, analgesic agents, anesthetic agents, antibiotic agents,angiogenic agents, antispasmodic agents, growth factors, gene-basedtherapies, proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, polymers drugs, andcombinations thereof. In alternate embodiments, the first or the secondtherapeutic agent may include bupivacaine hydrochloride, bupivacaine, orcapsaicin.

A method of treating tissue is disclosed, the method comprising thesteps of implanting in the tissue a surgical implant, the surgicalimplant comprising a film including a first therapeutic agent and a meshincluding a second therapeutic agent; the film releasing the firsttherapeutic agent to the tissue; and the mesh releasing the secondtherapeutic agent to the tissue.

A method of manufacturing a surgical implant is also disclosed,including providing, in a film, a first therapeutic agent; providing, ina mesh, a second therapeutic agent and applying the film to the mesh. Analternate method of manufacturing is provided comprising the steps of:providing, in a polymer solution, a first therapeutic agent; providing,in a mesh, a second therapeutic agent; applying the polymer solution tothe mesh.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an implant according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the implant ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of an implantaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the implant of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the implant ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mold formaking implants of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the mold of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 illustrates incisional injury-induced hypersensitivity forimplants according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates in vivo bupivacaine HCl release from implantsaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a therapeutic composite surgicalimplant and methods for making and using such a surgical implant. Morespecifically, the implant includes a film comprising at least one layer.The implant further includes a mesh which may at least partially incontact with or embedded within the film. In embodiments, the meshincludes a first release mechanism for releasing a first therapeuticagent and the film includes a second release mechanism for releasing asecond therapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, at least one of thetherapeutic agents comprises a local anesthetic.

According to the present disclosure, implants disclosed herein include amesh in combination with a film, each comprising any suitablebiocompatible material. Suitable materials should have sufficienttensile strength to support a fascial wall (on injured tissue site)during repair of a defect, be sufficiently inert to avoid foreign bodyreactions when retained in the human body for long periods of time andhave suitably easy handling characteristics for insertion and placementin the desired location in the body.

Meshes disclosed herein generally comprise filaments, major spaces, andpores. The filaments of the mesh may be formed by at least two strands,the major spaces formed between the filaments providing the surgicalimplant with the necessary strength, the filaments arranged (i.e., wovenor knit) such that pores are formed in the strands themselves.Alternatively, the filaments may be formed by a monofilament fiber (asopposed to at least two strands) that are arranged to form loops thatgive rise to the pores.

Suitable meshes for use in the present disclosure include, for example,a collagen composite mesh such as PARIETEX™ Composite Mesh (commerciallyavailable from Tyco Healthcare Group LG, d/b/a Covidien). PARIETEX™Composite Mesh is a 3-dimensional polyester weave with a resorbablecollagen film bonded on one side. Another suitable mesh includesParietex Progrip™ self-fixating mesh (also commercially available fromCovidien). Parietex Progrip™ is a polyester mesh which includes polylactic acid (PLA) microgrips. Other suitable meshes include those soldunder the names PARIETENE®, PERMACOLT™, PARIETEX™, SURGIPRO™ (allcommercially available from Covidien); PROLENE™ (commercially availablefrom Ethicon, Inc.); MARLEX®, DULEX®, 3D MAX® mesh, PERFIX® plug,VENTRALEX®, and KUGEL® patch (all commercially available from C.R. Bard,Inc.); PROLITE™, PROLITE ULTRA™ (all commercially available from AtriumMedical); COMPOSIX®, SEPRAMESH®, and VISILEX® (all commerciallyavailable from Davol, Inc.); and DUALMESH®, MYCROMESH®, and INFINIT®mesh (all commercially available from W.L. Gore). Additionally, mesheswithin the scope and context of this disclosure may include biologicmaterials such as allografts, autografts, and xenografts.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, ParietexPro-Grip™ Self-fixating mesh may be employed. Pro-Grip™ mesh includes aknit comprising a monofilament sheet forming, on one face of the knit,spiked/barbed naps which protrude perpendicularly with respect to saidsheet. The naps each have a substantially rectilinear body and, at thefree end of this body, a head of greater width than that of this body.The barbed naps function as hooks, which are capable of being fastenedeither to another prosthetic fabric (belonging to the same prosthesis ornot) or directly to the biological tissues. In certain embodiments, thefabric or mesh may comprise barbed naps on each surface of the mesh.

The mesh component may be formed using any method suitable to formingfibrous structures, including but not limited to knitting, weaving,knipling, tatting, non-woven techniques, wet-spinning, electro-spinning,gel-spinning, extrusion, co-extrusion, and the like. Suitable techniquesfor making mesh are within the purview of those skilled in the art.

Implants according to the present disclosure further include at leastone film, which in certain embodiments, is rapidly degrading. In oneexample, the rapidly degrading (biodegradable) film covers at least aportion of the mesh. As will be later described, the film may bepositioned adjacent at least a first and/or second surface of the meshor, the mesh may be at least partially embedded within the film.Similarly, the film may at least partially penetrate into the threedimensional construct of the mesh. Alternatively, the film may bepresent on both the first and second surfaces of the mesh.

Additionally, the film may comprise at least one layer, and in someexamples, the film may have a multilaminar construct.

Implants disclosed herein may comprise, for example, syntheticmaterials, natural materials (e.g., biological) and combinationsthereof. Suitable polymers include, polyolefins such as polyethylene(including ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) and polypropyleneincluding atactic, isotactic, syndiotactic, and blends thereof;polyethylene glycols; polyethylene oxides; ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene; copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene;polyisobutylene and ethylene-alpha olefin copolymers; fluorinatedpolyolefins such as fluoroethylenes, fluoropropylenes, fluoroPEGSs, andpolytetrafluoroethylene; polyamides such as nylon, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6,Nylon 6,10, Nylon 11, Nylon 12, and polycaprolactam; polyamines;polyimines; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylenenaphthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polybutyleneterephthalate; polyethers; polybutester; polytetramethylene etherglycol; 1,4-butanediol; polyurethanes; acrylic polymers; methacrylics;vinyl halide polymers and copolymers, such as polyvinyl chloride;polyvinyl alcohols; polyvinyl ethers such as polyvinyl methyl ether;polyvinylidene halides such as polyvinylidene fluoride andpolyvinylidene chloride; polychlorofluoroethylene; polyacrylonitrile;polyaryletherketones; polyvinyl ketones; polyvinyl aromatics such aspolystyrene; polyvinyl esters such as polyvinyl acetate; copolymers ofvinyl monomers with each other and olefins, such as ethylene-methylmethacrylate copolymers; acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; ABS resins;ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; alkyd resins; polycarbonates;polyoxymethylenes; polyphosphazine; polyimides; epoxy resins; aramids;rayon; rayon-triacetate; spandex; silicones; and copolymers andcombinations thereof. Additionally, non-biodegradable polymers andmonomers may be combined with each other to create a core of a fiber,for example a fiber possessing a core-sheath configuration. In certainembodiments, at least the mesh may comprise PET.

Other synthetic polymers which may be utilized in accordance with thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to anionic, cationic andneutral monomers and polymers of vinyl polymers such as polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, polyhydroxyethylmethylacrylate(pHEMA) and phospholipid vinyls; acrylic polymers such as sodiumpolyacrylate, polyethylacrylate, and polyacrylamide; polyethyleneglycol, polypropylene oxide, and polypropylene glycol and homopolymersand copolymers thereof; phosphorylcholine functional acrylates andmethacrylates; homopolymers and copolymers thereof.

Additionally, biodegradable synthetic or natural materials may beemployed. As used herein, the term “biodegradable” includes bothbioabsorbable and bioresorbable materials. By biodegradable, it is meantthat the materials decompose, or lose structural integrity under bodyconditions (e.g., enzymatic degradation, hydrolysis) or are broken down(physically or chemically) under physiologic conditions in the body(e.g., dissolution) such that the degradation products are excretable orabsorbable by the body.

Suitable bioabsorbable polymers may comprise implants of the presentdisclosure including, but are not limited to polymers selected from thegroup consisting of aliphatic polyesters; polyamides; polyamines;polyalkylene oxalates; poly(anhydrides); polyamidoesters;copoly(ether-esters); poly(carbonates) including tyrosine derivedcarbonates; poly(hydroxyalkanoates) such as poly(hydroxybutyric acid),poly(hydroxyvaleric acid), and poly(hydroxybutyrate); polyimidecarbonates; poly(imino carbonates) such as poly (bisphenolA-iminocarbonate and the like); polyorthoesters; polyoxaesters includingthose containing amine groups; polyphosphazenes; poly (propylenefumarates); polyurethanes; polymer drugs such as polydiflunisol,polyaspirin, and protein therapeutics; biologically modified (e.g.,protein, peptide) bioabsorbable polymers; and copolymers, blockcopolymers, homopolymers, blends, and combinations thereof.

More specifically, for the purpose of this invention, aliphaticpolyesters include, but are not limited to, homopolymers and copolymersof lactide (including lactic acid, D-,L- and meso lactide); glycolide(including glycolic acid); epsilon-caprolactone, p-dioxanone(1,4-dioxan-2-one); trimethylene carbonate (1,3-dioxan-2-one); alkylderivatives of trimethylene carbonate; Δ-valerolactone; β-butyrolactone;γ-butyrolactone; ε-decalactone; hydroxybutyrate; hydroxyvalerate;1,4-dioxepan-2-one (including its dimer1,5,8,12-tetraoxacyclotetradecane-7,14-dione); 1,5-dioxepan-2-one;6,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one; 2,5-diketomorpholine; pivalolactone; α,αdiethylpropiolactone; ethylene carbonate; ethylene oxalate;3-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione; 3,3-diethyl-1,4-dioxan-2,5-dione;6,8-dioxabicycloctane-7-one; and polymer blends and copolymers thereof.In certain embodiments, the mesh may comprise an aliphatic polyester.

Other suitable biodegradable polymers include, but are not limited to,poly(amino acids) including proteins such as collagen (I, II and III),elastin, fibrin, fibrinogen, silk, and albumin; peptides includingsequences for laminin and fibronectin (RGD); polysaccharides such ashyaluronic acid (HA), dextran, alginate, chitin, chitosan, andcellulose; glycosaminoglycan; gut; and combinations thereof. Collagen asused herein includes natural collagen such as animal derived collagen,gelatinized collagen, or synthetic collagen such as human or bacterialrecombinant collagen.

Additionally, synthetically modified natural polymers such as celluloseand polysaccharide derivatives, including alkyl celluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, nitrocelluloses, andchitosan may be utilized. Examples of suitable cellulose derivativesinclude methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose, celluloseacetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, celluloseacetate phthalate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cellulose triacetate,and cellulose sulfate sodium salt. These may be collectively referred toherein, in embodiments, as “celluloses.”

In certain embodiments, the film may comprise a polysaccharide such asCMC while the mesh portion comprises polyester or polypropylene.

Additionally, the surgical implant may comprise any or all ofemulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, wetting agents, taste modifyingagents, plasticizers, active agents, water soluble inert fillers,preservatives, buffering agents, coloring agents, and stabilizers.Addition of a plasticizer to the formulation can improve flexibility.The plasticizer or mixture of plasticizers may be polyethylene glycol,glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, corn syrup, fructose, dioctyl-sodiumsulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, 1,2-propylenglycol,mono-, di- or triacetates of glycerol, or natural gums.

Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an implant 2 according to thepresent disclosure is illustrated including a film 10, which surroundsor encapsulates a mesh 20. As illustrated, the film 10 is present on afirst and second surface (20 a, 20 b) of the mesh 20. More specifically,the film 10 comprises a water soluble polymer, which may be provided asa laminate film or sheet. The film 10 may be smooth or rough in surfacetexture. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, at least two films (10 a and 10b) may be in contact with the mesh 20. It is further envisioned thatmore than one layer of mesh 20 may also be present in the implant 2.

The films may comprise a single, laminate layer, or conversely, thefilms may comprise several layers, creating a multi-laminate film.Multi-laminate films may comprise similar or different materials. Themulti-laminate films may also comprise different polymer chainorientations, i.e., they may have anisotropic properties, which whencombined (optionally at various orientations relative to one another)create a stronger implant. Additionally, films disclosed herein may becontinuous or discontinuous.

The film 10 is positioned adjacent the mesh 20 and as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the film 10 a, 10 b is present of a first and secondsurface (20 a, 20 b) of the mesh 20, encapsulating the mesh 20 therein.The mesh 20 is illustrated as a monofilament mesh 20; however, implantscomprising multifilament mesh are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. The monofilament mesh 20 includes spaces and/or pores whichmay be formed by the intersection of at least two filaments. The film 10may also penetrate within the pores or spaces within or between the mesh20, interlocking therewith.

Another embodiment of an implant according to the present disclosure isillustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B. An implant 100 comprises a rapidlydegrading film 110 in direct contact with a mesh 120. The mesh 120comprises monofilament threads 122 (illustrated in the cross-sectionalview, FIG. 4). The rapidly degrading film 110 is in direct contact witha first side 120 a of the mesh. The monofilament mesh 120 may includespaces and/or pores which, in embodiments, may be penetrable by the film110. In other embodiments, one layer of the film 110 may be in directcontact with the mesh 120, covering at least a portion of the firstsurface 120 a thereof. In some embodiments, the film 110 may penetratepores of the mesh knit or weave 120.

In general, the film covers at least a portion of the mesh. The film maybe positioned adjacent to at least a first surface of the mesh and incertain embodiments, the film at least partially penetrates into a firstsurface of the mesh. In yet alternate embodiments, the film may beembedded at least partially or entirely within the mesh construct(2-dimensional or 3-dimensional), penetrating into the pores and/orinterstices of the mesh. It should be understood that above examples arenon-limiting and other constructs are envisioned which comprise thecombination of a film and a mesh.

As discussed hereinabove, the film may comprise a multi-laminar ormultilayer construct. The multi-laminar construct may provide fordifferent release rates and kinetics. The first therapeutic agent may bedisposed therein at least one layer of the multi-laminar film. In oneembodiment, the multi-laminar film includes a film having at least onebarrier layer disposed thereon. The barrier layer may or may not includea bioactive agent. Additionally, the multi-laminar construct may utilizedifferent polymers and different crystal structures of varying polymersto optimize drug delivery/release into the surrounding environment.

Films of the present disclosure may be rapidly degrading or rapidlyabsorbing. The rapidly degrading film at least partially degrades fromabout less than 24 hours after implantation. The rapidly degrading filmmay entirely degrade from about less than 24 hours followingimplantation. In certain embodiments, the rapidly degrading filmdegrades from about less than one hour after implantation. The rapiddegradation of the film may enable a faster delivery of the firsttherapeutic agent to the patient. In one non-limiting example,bupivacaine hydrochloride is combined with a CMC film (in solution usingstandard mixing techniques). Once implanted, the CMC film may hydrolyzein less than one hour in situ, delivering a predetermined payload ofbupivacaine hydrochloride to the patient in less than one hour.

Surgical implants include therapeutic agents which are delivered orcarried to the tissue site and released over a specified time period.More specifically, the first therapeutic agent is delivered or carriedto the implant/tissue site by the film component. The film serves as thedelivery vehicle for transporting the first therapeutic agent into thebody. The first therapeutic agent may be contained on or within the filmutilizing a variety of methods, for example, the first therapeutic agentmay be contained within micro/nanospheres, liposomes, carbon nanotubes,micro/nanoparticles, drug macromers, polymer drugs, prodrugs, other nanostructures, and the like, and using various salt forms, incorporated inthe film. The first therapeutic agent may also be impregnated within thefilm in the form of a particulate suspension or emulsion.

The second therapeutic agent is delivered or carried to theimplant/tissue site by the mesh component. The mesh serves as thedelivery vehicle for transporting the second therapeutic agent. Thesecond therapeutic agent may be contained on or within the mesh. Forexample, the mesh may comprise a coating which includes the secondtherapeutic agent. In another non-limiting example, the secondtherapeutic agent may be compounded within the polymer resin, comprisingat least one filament of the mesh. In another example, the therapeuticagent may be disposed around or within interstices of the mesh. In yetan alternate example, at least one filament of the mesh may comprise apolymer drug, wherein upon degradation of the filament, the polymer drugis hydrolyzed and released into the surrounding tissue in either monomeror polymer form. In alternate embodiments, the second therapeutic agentmay be contained within microspheres or microparticles. Similar to thefirst therapeutic agent, the second therapeutic agent may also beimpregnated within a coating in the form of a particulate suspension oremulsion.

Therapeutic agents of the present disclosure are released into thesurrounding tissue at various elution or release rates (dose/unit time).More specifically, the first therapeutic agent may be released at afirst rate and the second therapeutic agent may be released at a secondrate. In other embodiments, the first and second therapeutic agents maybe released at the same rate. Similarly, the first and secondtherapeutic agents may have the same release rate, however, the firsttherapeutic agent may be released over less or more hours/days/weeks ascompared to the second therapeutic agent (longer or shorterpersistence). For example, at 37° C., a first therapeutic agent such asbupivacaine hydrochloride may have a release rate of 7.5 mg/hour for atotal of 10 hours (releasing 75 mg), while the second therapeutic agentsuch as bupivacaine (free base) may have a release rate of 7.5 mg/hourfor a total of 72 hours (releasing 540 mg).

The first therapeutic agent may be released in situ from about less than24 hours after implantation, in certain embodiments, from less thanabout 1 hour after implantation. The second therapeutic agent may bereleased in situ from about greater than 24 hours, and in certainembodiments, from about 3 days (72 hours) to about 14 days afterimplantation. In certain embodiments, the second therapeutic agent maybegin releasing in situ less than about 24 hours and continue to releasefor about 14 days following implantation.

More specifically, when the first and second therapeutic agents comprisebupivacaine hydrochloride, the first therapeutic agent may have adelivery of 7.5-10 milligrams/hour for a total time period of less than24 hours, while the second therapeutic agent may have a delivery of 7.5milligrams/hour, for a total time period of greater than 24 hours.

In certain embodiments, at least the first therapeutic agent comprisesbupivacaine hydrochloride. In other embodiments, at least the secondtherapeutic agent comprises bupivacaine (free base).

In certain embodiments, at least the first therapeutic agent comprisescapsaicin. In other embodiments, at least the second therapeutic agentcomprises capsaicin.

In other embodiments, the therapeutic agents have different releaserates. The term rate as used herein should be understood to relate to atherapeutic payload/unit time. For example, the second release rate maybe slower compared to the first release rate. Upon implantation, boththe first and second therapeutic agents may begin to elute into thesurrounding tissue. The first therapeutic agent is released into tissueimmediately upon implantation (bolus release), while the secondtherapeutic agent is delivered at a slower rate, which may be through asustained or controlled release over the following days/weeks.

Conversely, in other embodiments, the first therapeutic agent may have aslower release rate as compared to the second therapeutic agent.

As previously stated, in certain embodiments, the first and secondtherapeutic agents are released over time periods ranging from minutesto weeks. For example, the first therapeutic agent may comprise a localanesthetic, to assist in providing local pain relief during surgery, thefirst therapeutic agent having a persistence of less than 6 hours. Thesecond therapeutic agent may comprise an analgesic to relieve longerterm pain associated with healing or inflammation. The secondtherapeutic agent may have a persistence of from about a few hours (orimmediately following surgery), to several weeks post operation. Incertain embodiments, the second therapeutic agent may have a persistenceof from about 24 hours to about 7 days following surgery.

In one embodiment, where the film comprises a fast degrading film, dueto fast hydrolysis or degradation of the film component, the firsttherapeutic agent may have a faster release rate, such as a bolusrelease compared to the second agent disposed on or within the mesh. Incertain embodiments, the film component may at least partially degradebefore the second therapeutic agent is eluted into the surroundingenvironment. In other words, the first therapeutic agent may shield,protect or otherwise provide a barrier to the release of the secondtherapeutic agent. It is also envisioned that the release of the firsttherapeutic agent may trigger environmental changes (e.g., pH andionicity) which signal the release of the second therapeutic agent. Inyet alternate embodiments, the second therapeutic agent may diffusethrough the film, releasing into the surrounding environment.

Concentrations and doses of therapeutic agents of the present disclosuremay vary depending on drug choice or patient condition. For example, onepatient may require more or less of a specific therapeutic agent ascompared to another. The dosing rates of different therapeutic agentsmay vary while efficacy remains similar. For example, a lowerconcentration of a first therapeutic agent may be required for a firsttherapeutic effect, while a higher concentration of a second therapeuticagent may be required for a second therapeutic effect.

The first and second therapeutics may have a bolus release or sustaineddelivery/release into the surrounding environment, the release kineticsof which may correspond to zero order, first order, second order, thirdorder, nth order and combinations thereof. Additionally, releases may bediffusion, partition, or solubility controlled.

In general, therapeutic agents may be incorporated into the implantduring manufacture or formation of the implant, such as by freesolution, suspension, liposomal delivery, microspheres, etc., or bycoating a surface of the implant, or selective regions thereof, such asby polymer coating, dry coating, freeze drying, applying directly to themesh or implant surface; ionically, covalently, or affinity binding tofunctionalize the components of the implant. Thus, at least onetherapeutic agent may be combined with a component of the implant i.e.,the mesh and/or film, to provide release of the therapeutic agent duringimplantation and in some embodiments, release of the therapeutic agentvia degradation of the implant. In some embodiments, as the implantdegrades or hydrolyzes in situ, the therapeutic agents are released. Inother embodiments, therapeutic agents may be included in the filmcomponent (or a selective region(s) thereof) for rapid release of thebioactive agent.

The delivery mechanism for the first therapeutic agent is the film,which in certain embodiments, is a rapidly degrading film. The film maycomprise a water soluble polymer which, upon implantation, beginsdissolution, releasing the first therapeutic agent. It should beunderstood, as similarly stated above, that the term degrading includesdecomposition, enzymatic degradation, hydrolysis or dissolution, whereinthe materials are broken down (physically or chemically) underphysiologic conditions in the body and the degradation products areexcretable or absorbable by the body.

The first therapeutic agent may be formulated into the polymer film inthe form of an emulsion, suspension or other heterogeneous mixture; ormixed in as a homogeneous solution prior to, during, or after filmformation. Solvents for use in creating films of the present disclosureinclude polar, non-polar solvents, buffers, and the like. Films may bemade from solutions using methods such as film casting, which are laterdescribed.

The second therapeutic agent is delivered to the surrounding tissue viathe mesh. The second therapeutic agent may be in the form of a coatingon the mesh, trapped within interstices or pores in the mesh, compoundedinto the resin or otherwise incorporated therein. The second therapeuticagent may also comprise suspensions or emulsions, microparticles, fibersand the like, which may be combined or otherwise incorporated into thewoven or knit mesh. For example, the controlled release of the secondtherapeutic agent may correspond to the degradation of at least onefilament of the mesh. Coating materials may comprise polymers notlimited to those listed herein.

It should be understood that as described herein, the therapeutic agentsare both localized methods of drug delivery, however, the therapeuticagent(s) may also be distributed to the surrounding tissues and organs(such as surrounding vasculature) and even dispersed systemically.

Suitable first and second therapeutic agents employed in the presentdisclosure may include analgesics, anesthetics, anti-inflammatory agents(steroidal and non-steroidal), antispasmodic agents, growth factors,gene-based therapeutic agents and combinations thereof. The firsttherapeutic agent may be the same as or different than the secondtherapeutic agent. The therapeutic agents may be the same class ofagents, i.e., both the first and second therapeutics may compriseanalgesics.

More specifically, analgesics such as narcotic analgesic therapeuticagents include, but are not limited to: alfentanil, allylprodine,alphaprodine, anileridine, benzylmorphine, bezitramide, buprenorphine,butorphanol, clonitazene, codeine, codeine methyl bromide, codeinephosphate, codeine sulfate, desomorphine, dextromoramide, dezocine,diampromide, dihydrocodeine, dihydrocodeinone enol acetate,dihydromorphine, dimenoxadol, dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene,dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone, eptazocine, ethoheptazine,ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine, etonitazene, fentanyl,hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone,ketobemidone, levorphanol, lofentanil, meperidine, meptazinol,metazocine, methadone hydrochloride, metopon, morphine, myrophine,nalbuphine, narceine, nicomorphine, norlevorphanol, normethadone,normorphine, norpipanone, opium, oxycodone, oxymorphone, papavereturn,pentazocine, phenadoxone, phenazocine, pheoperidine, piminodine,piritramide, proheptazine, promedol, properidine, propiram,propoxyphene, rumifentanil, sufentanil, tilidine, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

Exemplary non-narcotic analgesic agents that may be combined with theimplants of the invention include, but are not limited to, aceclofenac,acetaminophen, acetaminosalol, acetanilide, acetylsalicylsalicylic acid(aspirin), alclofenac, alminoprofen, aloxiprin, aluminumbis(acetylsalicylate), aminochlorthenoxazin, 2-amino-4-picoline,aminopropylon, aminopyrine, ammonium salicylate, amtolmetin guacil,antipyrine, antipyrine salicylate, antrafenine, apazone, benorylate,benoxaprofen, benzpiperylon, benzydamine, bermoprofen, brofenac,p-bromoacetanilide, 5-bromosalicylic acid acetate, bucetin, bufexamac,bumadizon, butacetin, calcium acetylsalicylate, capsaicin,carbamazepine, carbiphene, carsalam, celecoxib, chloralantipyrine,chlorthenoxazin(e), choline salicylate, cinchophen, ciramadol,clometacin, cropropamide, crotethamide, dexoxadrol, diclofenac,difenamizole, diflunisal, dihydroxyaluminum acetylsalicylate,dipyrocetyl, dipyrone, emorfazone, enfenamic acid, epirizole,etersalate, ethenzamide, ethoxazene, etodolac, felbinac, fenoprofen,floctafenine, flufenamic acid, fluoresone, flupirtine, fluproquazone,flurbiprofen, fosfosal, gabapentin, gentisic acid, glafenine, ibufenac,ibuprofen, imidazole salicylate, indomethacin, indoprofen, isofezolac,isoladol, isonixin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, p-lactophenetide, lefetamine,loxoprofen, lysine acetylsalicylate, magnesium acetylsalicylate,methotrimeprazine, metofoline, miroprofen, morazone, morpholinesalicylate, naproxen, nefopam, nifenazone, 5′ nitro-2′propoxyacetanilide, parsalmide, perisoxal, phenacetin, phenazopyridinehydrochloride, phenocoll, phenopyrazone, phenyl acetylsalicylate, phenylsalicylate, phenyramidol, pipebuzone, piperylone, pregabalin,prodilidine, propacetamol, propyphenazone, proxazole, quininesalicylate, ramifenazone, rimazolium metilsulfate, salacetamide,salicin, salicylamide, salicylamide o-acetic acid, salicylsulfuric acid,salsalte, salverine, simetride, sodium salicylate, sulfamipyrine,suprofen, talniflumate, tenoxicam, terofenamate, tetradrine, tinoridine,tolfenamic acid, tolpronine, tramadol, TRPA1 modulators, TRPM8modulators, TRPV1 modulators, viminol, xenbucin, zomepirac, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Exemplary local anesthetic therapeutic agents include, but are notlimited to, ambucaine, amolanone, amylocalne hydrochloride, benoxinate,benzocaine, betoxycaine, biphenamine, bupivacaine, butacaine, butaben,butanilicaine, butethamine, butoxycaine, carticaine, chloroprocainehydrochloride, cocaethylene, cocaine, cyclomethycaine, dibucainehydrochloride, dimethisoquin, dimethocaine, diperadon hydrochloride,dyclonine, ecgonidine, ecgonine, ethyl chloride, beta-eucaine, euprocin,fenalcomine, fomocaine, hexylcaine hydrochloride, hydroxytetracaine,isobutyl p-aminobenzoate, leucinocaine mesylate, levobupivacaine,levoxadrol, lidocaine, mepivacaine, meprylcaine, metabutoxycaine, methylchloride, myrtecaine, naepaine, octacaine, orthocaine, oxethazaine,parethoxycaine, phenacaine hydrochloride, phenol, piperocaine,piridocaine, polidocanol, pramoxine, prilocalne, procaine, propanocaine,proparacaine, propipocaine, propoxycaine hydrochloride, pseudococaine,pyrrocaine, ropivacaine, salicyl alcohol, tetracaine hydrochloride,tolycaine, trimecaine, zolamine, and pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof.

Other therapeutic agents which may be utilized in accordance with thepresent disclosure include drugs, amino acids, peptides, polypeptides,proteins, polysaccharides, muteins, immunoglobulins, antibodies,cytokines (e.g., lymphokines, monokines, chemokines), blood clottingfactors, hemopoietic factors, interleukins (1 through 18), interferons(β-IFN, α-IFN and γ-IFN), erythropoietin, nucleases, tumor necrosisfactor, colony stimulating factors (e.g., GCSF, GM-CSF, MCSF), insulin,anti-tumor agents and tumor suppressors, blood proteins, fibrin,thrombin, fibrinogen, synthetic thrombin, synthetic fibrin, syntheticfibrinogen, gonadotropins (e.g., FSH, LH, CG, etc.), hormones andhormone analogs (e.g., growth hormone, luteinizing hormone releasingfactor), vaccines (e.g., tumoral, bacterial and viral antigens);somatostatin; antigens; blood coagulation factors; growth factors (e.g.,nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth factor); bone morphogenicproteins, TGF-B, protein inhibitors, protein antagonists, and proteinagonists; nucleic acids, such as antisense molecules, DNA, RNA, RNAi,sRNA; oligonucleotides; polynucleotides; cells (including stem cells,adult, embryonic, or induced) viruses, and ribozymes.

In embodiments, the therapeutic agent may include at least one of thefollowing drugs, including combinations and alternative forms of thedrugs such as alternative salt forms, free acid form, free base forms,pro-drugs and hydrates: analgesics/antipyretics (e.g., aspirin,acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, buprenorphine, propoxyphenehydrochloride, propoxyphene napsylate, meperidine hydrochloride,hydromorphone hydrochloride, morphine, oxycodone, codeine,dihydrocodeine bitartrate, pentazocine, hydrocodone bitartrate,levorphanol, diflunisal, trolamine salicylate, nalbuphine hydrochloride,mefenamic acid, butorphanol, choline salicylate, butalbital,phenyltoloxamine citrate, diphenhydramine citrate, methotrimeprazine,cinnamedrine hydrochloride, and meprobamate); antiasthamatics (e.g.,ketotifen and traxanox); antibiotics (e.g., neomycin, streptomycin,chloramphenicol, cephalosporin, ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline,and ciprofloxacin); antidepressants (e.g., nefopam, oxypertine, doxepin,amoxapine, trazodone, amitriptyline, maprotiline, phenelzine,duloxetine, desipramine, nortriptyline, tranylcypromine, fluoxetine,doxepin, imipramine, imipramine pamoate, isocarboxazid, trimipramine,and protriptyline); antidiabetics (e.g., biguanides and sulfonylureaderivatives); antifungal agents (e.g., griseofulvin, ketoconazole,itraconizole, amphotericin B, nystatin, and candicidin);antihypertensive agents (e.g., propranolol, propafenone, oxyprenolol,nifedipine, reserpine, trimethaphan, phenoxybenzamine, pargylinehydrochloride, deserpidine, diazoxide, guanethidine monosulfate,minoxidil, rescinnamine, sodium nitroprusside, rauwolfia serpentina,alseroxylon, and phentolamine); anti-inflammatories (e.g.,(non-steroidal) indomethacin, ketoprofen, aspirin, diclofenac,ketorolac, flurbiprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, ramifenazone, piroxicam,celecoxib, rofecoxib, (steroidal) cortisone, dexamethasone, fluazacort,hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and prednisone); antineoplastics (e.g.,cyclophosphamide, actinomycin, bleomycin, dactinomycin, daunorubicin,doxorubicin, epirubicin, mitomycin, methotrexate, fluorouracil,gemcitabine, carboplatin, carmustine (BCNU), methyl-CCNU, cisplatin,etoposide, camptothecin and derivatives thereof, phenesterine,paclitaxel and derivatives thereof, docetaxel and derivatives thereof,vinblastine, vincristine, goserelin, leuprolide, tamoxifen, interferonalfa, retinoic acid (ATRA), nitrogen mustard alkylating agents, andpiposulfan); antianxiety agents (e.g., lorazepam, buspirone, prazepam,chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam, clorazepate dipotassium, diazepam,hydroxyzine pamoate, hydroxyzine hydrochloride, alprazolam, droperidol,halazepam, chlormezanone, and dantrolene); immunosuppressive agents(e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine, mizoribine, and FK506 (tacrolimus));antimigraine agents (e.g., triptans such as sumatriptan, ergotamine,propranolol, isometheptene mucate, and dichloralphenazone);sedatives/hypnotics (e.g., barbiturates such as pentobarbital,pentobarbital, and secobarbital; and benzodiazapines such as flurazepamhydrochloride, triazolam, and midazolam); antianginal agents (e.g.,beta-adrenergic blockers; calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine,and diltiazem; and nitrates such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate,pentearythritol tetranitrate, and erythrityl tetranitrate);antipsychotic agents (e.g., haloperidol, loxapine succinate, loxapinehydrochloride, thioridazine, thioridazine hydrochloride, thiothixene,fluphenazine, fluphenazine decanoate, fluphenazine enanthate,trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine, lithium citrate, andprochlorperazine); antimanic agents (e.g., lithium carbonate);antiarrhythmics (e.g., bretylium tosylate, esmolol, verapamil,amiodarone, encamide, digoxin, digitoxin, mexiletine, disopyramidephosphate, procainamide, quinidine sulfate, quinidine gluconate,quinidine polygalacturonate, flecamide acetate, tocamide, andlidocaine); antiarthritic agents (e.g., phenylbutazone, sulindac,penicillanine, salsalate, piroxicam, azathioprine, indomethacin,meclofenamate, gold sodium thiomalate, ketoprofen, auranofin,aurothioglucose, and tolmetin sodium); antigout agents (e.g.,colchicine, and allopurinol); anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, heparinsodium, and warfarin sodium); thrombolytic agents (e.g., urokinase,streptokinase, and alteplase); antifibrinolytic agents (e.g.,aminocaproic acid); hemorheologic agents (e.g., pentoxifylline);antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin); anticonvulsants (e.g., valproicacid, divalproex sodium, phenyloin, phenyloin sodium, clonazepam,primidone, phenobarbitol, carbamazepine, amobarbital sodium,methsuximide, metharbital, mephobarbital, mephenyloin, phensuximide,paramethadione, ethotoin, phenacemide, secobarbitol sodium, clorazepatedipotassium, and trimethadione); antiparkinson agents (e.g.,ethosuximide); antihistamines/antipruritics (e.g., hydroxyzine,diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine maleate,cyproheptadine hydrochloride, terfenadine, clemastine fumarate,triprolidine, carbinoxamine, diphenylpyraline, phenindamine, azatadine,tripelennamine, dexchlorpheniramine maleate, methdilazine, and); agentsuseful for calcium regulation (e.g., calcitonin, and parathyroidhormone); antibacterial agents (e.g., amikacin sulfate, aztreonam,chloramphenicol, chloramphenicol palirtate, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin,clindamycin palmitate, clindamycin phosphate, metronidazole,metronidazole hydrochloride, gentamicin sulfate, lincomycinhydrochloride, tobramycin sulfate, vancomycin hydrochloride, polymyxin Bsulfate, colistimethate sodium, and colistin sulfate); antiviral agents(e.g., interferon alpha, beta or gamma, zidovudine, amantadinehydrochloride, ribavirin, and acyclovir); antimicrobials (e.g.,cephalosporins such as cefazolin sodium, cephradine, cefaclor,cephapirin sodium, ceftizoxime sodium, cefoperazone sodium, cefotetandisodium, cefuroxime e azotil, cefotaxime sodium, cefadroxilmonohydrate, cephalexin, cephalothin sodium, cephalexin hydrochloridemonohydrate, cefamandole nafate, cefoxitin sodium, cefonicid sodium,ceforanide, ceftriaxone sodium, ceftazidime, cefadroxil, cephradine, andcefuroxime sodium; penicillins such as ampicillin, amoxicillin,penicillin G benzathine, cyclacillin, ampicillin sodium, penicillin Gpotassium, penicillin V potassium, piperacillin sodium, oxacillinsodium, bacampicillin hydrochloride, cloxacillin sodium, ticarcillindisodium, azlocillin sodium, carbenicillin indanyl sodium, penicillin Gprocaine, methicillin sodium, and nafcillin sodium; erythromycins suchas erythromycin ethylsuccinate, erythromycin, erythromycin estolate,erythromycin lactobionate, erythromycin stearate, and erythromycinethylsuccinate; and tetracyclines such as tetracycline hydrochloride,doxycycline hyclate, and minocycline hydrochloride, azithromycin,clarithromycin); anti-infectives (e.g., GM-CSF); bronchodilators (e.g.,sympathomimetics such as epinephrine hydrochloride, metaproterenolsulfate, terbutaline sulfate, isoetharine, isoetharine mesylate,isoetharine hydrochloride, albuterol sulfate, albuterol,bitolterolmesylate, isoproterenol hydrochloride, terbutaline sulfate,epinephrine bitartrate, metaproterenol sulfate, epinephrine, andepinephrine bitartrate; anticholinergic agents such as ipratropiumbromide; xanthines such as aminophylline, dyphylline, metaproterenolsulfate, and aminophylline; mast cell stabilizers such as cromolynsodium; inhalant corticosteroids such as beclomethasone dipropionate(BDP), and beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate; salbutamol;ipratropium bromide; budesonide; ketotifen; salmeterol; xinafoate;terbutaline sulfate; triamcinolone; theophylline; nedocromil sodium;metaproterenol sulfate; albuterol; flunisolide; fluticasone proprionate;steroidal compounds and hormones (e.g., androgens such as danazol,testosterone cypionate, fluoxymesterone, ethyltestosterone, testosteroneenathate, methyltestosterone, fluoxymesterone, and testosteronecypionate; estrogens such as estradiol, estropipate, and conjugatedestrogens; progestins such as methoxyprogesterone acetate, andnorethindrone acetate; corticosteroids such as triamcinolone,betamethasone, betamethasone sodium phosphate, dexamethasone,dexamethasone sodium phosphate, dexamethasone acetate, prednisone,methylprednisolone acetate suspension, triamcinolone acetonide,methylprednisolone, prednisolone sodium phosphate, methylprednisolonesodium succinate, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, triamcinolonehexacetonide, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone cypionate, prednisolone,fludrocortisone acetate, paramethasone acetate, prednisolone tebutate,prednisolone acetate, prednisolone sodium phosphate, and hydrocortisonesodium succinate; and thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine sodium);hypoglycemic agents (e.g., human insulin, purified beef insulin,purified pork insulin, glyburide, chlorpropamide, glipizide,tolbutamide, and tolazamide); hypolipidemic agents (e.g., clofibrate,dextrothyroxine sodium, probucol, pravastitin, atorvastatin, lovastatin,and niacin); proteins (e.g., DNase, alginase, superoxide dismutase, andlipase); nucleic acids (e.g., sense or anti-sense nucleic acids encodingany therapeutically useful protein, including any of the proteinsdescribed herein); agents useful for erythropoiesis stimulation (e.g.,erythropoietin); antiulcer/antireflux agents (e.g., famotidine,cimetidine, and ranitidine hydrochloride); antinauseants/antiemetics(e.g., meclizine hydrochloride, nabilone, prochlorperazine,dimenhydrinate, promethazine hydrochloride, thiethylperazine, andscopolamine); proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole); erectiledysfunction therapies (e.g., sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, andalprostadil); as well as other drugs useful in the compositions andmethods described herein include mitotane, halonitrosoureas,anthrocyclines, ellipticine, ceftriaxone, ketoconazole, ceftazidime,oxaprozin, albuterol, valacyclovir, urofollitropin, famciclovir,flutamide, enalapril, mefformin, itraconazole, buspirone, gabapentin,fosinopril, tramadol, acarbose, lorazepan, follitropin, glipizide,omeprazole, fluoxetine, lisinopril, tramsdol, levofloxacin, zafirlukast,interferon, growth hormone, interleukin, erythropoietin, granulocytestimulating factor, nizatidine, bupropion, perindopril, erbumine,adenosine, alendronate, alprostadil, benazepril, betaxolol, bleomycinsulfate, dexfenfluramine, diltiazem, fentanyl, flecainid, gemcitabine,glatiramer acetate, granisetron, lamivudine, mangafodipir trisodium,mesalamine, metoprolol fumarate, metronidazole, miglitol, moexipril,monteleukast, octreotide acetate, olopatadine, paricalcitol, somatropin,sumatriptan succinate, tacrine, verapamil, nabumetone, trovafloxacin,dolasetron, zidovudine, finasteride, tobramycin, isradipine, tolcapone,enoxaparin, fluconazole, lansoprazole, terbinafine, pamidronate,didanosine, diclofenac, cisapride, venlafaxine, troglitazone,fluvastatin, losartan, imiglucerase, donepezil, olanzapine, valsartan,fexofenadine, calcitonin, and ipratropium bromide. In some embodiments,the drug may be water soluble. In some embodiments, the drug may not bewater soluble.

The rate of release of a therapeutic agent can be controlled by anymeans within the purview of one skilled in the art. Some examplesinclude, but are not limited to, the depth of the therapeutic agent fromthe surface of the film, the size of the therapeutic agent, thehydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the therapeutic agent, and the strengthof physical and physical-chemical interaction between the therapeuticagent, the rapidly degrading film and/or the mesh material. By properlycontrolling some of these factors, a controlled release of a therapeuticagent from the implant of the present disclosure can be achieved.

Films of the present disclosure may be prepared using castingtechniques. In some embodiments, implants of the present disclosure maybe formed using a mold such as one illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Themold 200 has a base 210 and side walls 220. Although the base 210 andside walls 220 are shown generally rectangular in shape, they maycomprise other shapes. The mold 220 includes shims 230 which aredisposed parallel to each other on an upper surface of the base 210. Themolds may also include a non-stick coating or surface, such as siliconeor polyester terephthalate, for ease of manufacturing. It should benoted that any number of shims 230 may be employed, as well as anydesired alignment to create implants of various shapes. The mesh may becombined with a polymer solution or cast film and placed in the mold. Insome embodiments, the implant may need to cure or dry for a specifiedamount of time under set temperature, humidity and pressure. The heightof the shims and the base may vary so that the mesh can be placed nearerto one surface or placed a set distance away from the implant surface.

In other embodiments, films may be pre-cast and later combined with themesh component to create an implant. The films may be adhered ofotherwise combined with the mesh using techniques not limited to solventwelding, heat staking, compression fitting, or the use of adhesives,glues, sealants, epoxies or combinations thereof. For example, the meshmay be coated with a monomer solution and then placed/pressed adjacentthe mesh, creating an implant of the present. If two layers of film aredesired, a similar technique may be used to apply the second film layer.

Upon implantation of the implant in vivo, the film solubilizes in theaqueous environment, releasing the first therapeutic agent. In someembodiments, the first therapeutic is released from about less than oneday, in further embodiments, from about less than one hour. Sometimethereafter, the second therapeutic agent is released through a secondmechanism, and in preferred embodiments, the second therapeutic agent isreleased from the mesh. The release of the second therapeutic agent isfrom about more than one day, and in further embodiments, from aboutthree days to about fourteen days.

Implants of the present disclosure must have sufficient structuralintegrity and physical properties to facilitate the surgeon's ease ofhandling in the operating room as well as positioning in vivo. Materialsselection in addition to processing/manufacturing constraints can beused to alter/control the strength and physical properties of thesurgical implant.

Desired properties of composite mesh include flexible enough, conformingto tissue and being repositionable, yet stiff enough to be unfoldedafter insertion, perhaps through a laparoscopic port. Additionally,other materials such as a polymer coating or polymer fibers may beincorporated into the mesh to increase the mesh stiffness at least forinsertion and implantation. A mesh according to the present disclosurecan be inserted through a small incision (e.g., from about 1 cm to about2 cm in length) with the use of a laparoscopic deployment device,trocar, or other device. The mesh may be rolled or folded so as to fitwithin the device for transfer into the body cavity.

More broadly, the present disclosure recognizes that the implant canhave any shape that conforms to an anatomical surface of a human oranimal body that may be subject to a defect to be repaired by theimplant.

In another embodiment, the surgical implant of the present disclosuremay comprise a backing strip which may releasably attach to the implant.The backing strip may be formed from a range of materials, includingplastics, and may releasably attach using an adhesive.

The releasable attachment of a backing strip to the implant may providea more rigid and less flexible surgical implant, which may be moreeasily handled by a surgeon. Following suitable placement of thesurgical implant, the backing strip can be removed from the surgicalimplant, the surgical implant being retained in the body and the backingmaterial being removed by the surgeon. The surgical implant cantherefore benefit from reduced mass while still providingcharacteristics required for surgical handling.

Example 1

A 2% weight/volume stock solution is created by combining mediumviscosity CMC (MW=150 k-400 k g/mol) and deionized water using amechanical stirrer. The CMC solution is then combined with glycerol in a5:1 ratio (CMC:glycerol), and left stirring with a stir bar for about240 minutes. Next, bupivacaine (MW=324.89, from Sigma Aldrich) is addedto the CMC/glycerol solution using a mechanical stir bar (at ambienttemperature). The concentration of the bupivacaine in solution is about0.25-0.75% wt/vol.

Next, a sheet of polyester mesh is dip coated in a bupivacaine solutionand dried in the oven overnight at 40° Celsius and 40% relativehumidity.

The bupivacaine-coated polyester mesh is then placed in asilicone-coated mold, sized to fit the mesh. Thebupivacaine/CMC/glycerol solution is poured over the mesh, creating auniform film, and then placed in an oven overnight at a temperature ofabout 45° Celsius.

A mesh according to the present disclosure can be inserted through asmall incision (e.g., from about 1 cm to about 2 cm in length) or tissuepuncture with the use of a laparoscopic deployment device, such as aneedle or trocar. The mesh may be rolled or folded so as to fit withinthe device for transfer into the body cavity. In embodiments utilizingan absorbable film, the absorbable film may provide sufficient stiffnessto the mesh upon exiting the transfer device, to re-open the rolled orfolded mesh into its original geometric shape.

Example 2

Mesh/film compositions as prepared in Example 1 were evaluated for invivo bupivacaine HCl release and efficacy using rodent subcutaneous andback incisional acute postoperative pain preclinical models,respectively. Briefly, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and a 2 cmincision was made through the skin of the back on midline and a smallpocket created by blunt dissection. Mesh/film and/or film and mesh alonetest articles were gently implanted into the incisional site usingforceps and were located directly under the incision. The incisions wereclosed with suture and all rats were carefully monitored after surgery.Control groups consist of one implant control group and two systemictreatment groups. Implant control groups receive mesh/films with nodrug. The systemic controls receive either systemic morphine (3 mg/kg)or saline (2 ml/kg) at the end of surgery and again at 47 hr followingsurgery (1 hr prior to 48 hr testing). In Vivo bupivacaine HCl releasewas assessed by evaluating residual bupivacaine at various time pointsfollowing explantation (mass balance of remaining bupivacaine HCl) usinghigh pressure liquid chromatography. Behavioral testing was used toassess thermal response latency following application of thermalstimulus to incision sites via a diode laser. The thermal stimulus wasapplied to the left side of the incision and the latency (intime,seconds) was measured as response to distinct twitching or ripplingof the musculature under the skin of the stimulated area. Three responselatency readings were preformed for each subject at each time point.

Results for representative bupivacaine HCl-eluting CMC/glycerol meshintegrated films demonstrated the ability to completely preventinjury-induced hypersensitivity in the back incisional model of acutepain and in dose dependant manner. The in vivo release profile ofbupivacaine HCl correlated with behavioral efficacy at early time pointswith drug release being mostly complete by 8 hrs post-implantation(FIGS. 7 and 8).

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it isnot intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intendedthat the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and thatthe specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above descriptionshould not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications ofembodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications andvariations of the porous substrate and the reinforcement component ofthe implant will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing detailed description. Such modifications and variations areintended to come within the scope and spirit of the claims appendedhereto.

1. A method of treating tissue comprising the steps of: implanting inthe tissue a surgical implant, the surgical implant comprising a filmincluding a first therapeutic agent and a mesh including a secondtherapeutic agent; the film releasing the first therapeutic agent to thetissue; and the mesh releasing the second therapeutic agent to thetissue.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the film releases thefirst therapeutic agent by the film degrading or dissolving.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the surface of themesh includes a coating which comprises the second therapeutic agent. 4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the first therapeutic agent isdifferent than the second therapeutic agent.
 5. The method according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first and the second therapeuticagent is selected from the group consisting of bupivacainehydrochloride, bupivacaine, and capsaicin.
 6. The method according toclaim 2, wherein the mesh releases the second therapeutic agent afterthe film has degraded or dissolved.